Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2007-08: The QMJHL’s leading defensive scorer, Jason Demers (no relation to the Sharks 5th round pick Julien Demers) had 64 points, nine goals and 55 assists in 67 games. He more than doubled his offensive output over the 2006-07 season. Demers participated in the Sharks rookie tournament squad prior to the 2007-08 season and the club was so impressed they almost signed him as a free agent. Demers was chosen in the seventh round, 186th overall, of the 2008 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. Now 20, his size and skill set could be a steal in the seventh round.

2008-09: The 2008-2009 season saw defender Jason Demers make his pro debut with the Worcester Sharks. He played a career high 78 games, picking up 33 points. Demers’ 2 goals and 31 assists were good for 8th on the Worcester Sharks. Demers was also responsible in his own end, maintaining a +15 plus/minus. In the playoffs, Demers added 4 points in 12 games.

2009-10: Played 51 games in the NHL, posting 4 goals and 17 assists in the process. Also made 15 playoff game appearances where he posted 1 goal and 4 assists. Spent 25 games in the AHL where he registered 4 goals, 13 assists, and 24 PIM.

Talent Analysis

Demers is an offensive defenseman who, while great at shooting and distributing the puck, still needs to learn the finer points of playing in his own zone. He shouldn't be considered a defensive liability, but he is prone to making the occasional error in his own end and takes a lot of risks offensively.

He is particularly effective on the powerplay where he can distribute and shoot the puck effectively from the point.

Future

Demers was dealt by the San Jose Sharks to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Brenden Dillon and a draft pick.

Photo: Apart from current Sharks Jason Demers and Tommy Wingels, AHL goaltender Harri Sateri is the only other remaining member of San Jose’s 2008 draft class. (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI)

The San Jose Sharks went into the 2008 NHL Entry Draft under unfavorable circumstances not having a pick until the end of the fourth round at number 117. Statistics show, the deeper you go into drafts, the harder it is to convert prospects into NHL players. The move to acquire Brian Campbell for a cup push made things very hard at the draft table.